Gilbert held a press conference to announce his campaign Wednesday morning.

"I have observed the happenings of City Hall by our mayor, and hearing comments from residents, not only in the city but across the state, it has become clear to me that we can do better," said Gilbert.

Gilbert was Mayor from 2007 to 2012, when he termed out of office. Under the city's charter, a former mayor can run again after waiting a term.

He promised he would run a positive campaign

Mayor Bob Macdonald has notmade a formal reelection announcement, but told NEWS CENTER he plans to run again.

Macdonald said his attention to welfare fraud and other economic issues has helped him clean up the city, and made him a popular mayor.

"I"m interested to see what [Gilbert] says," said Macdonald. "We'll see what happens."